"We are the only country in history that ever deliberately changed its ethnic makeup, and history has few examples of 'diversity' creating a stable society." - Richard Lamm, former governor of Colorado

Friday, May 25, 2007

An illegal immigrant, who is a dual citizen of Mexico and Honduras, admitted in court to abducting and sexually assaulting his 7-year-old neighbor

A 27-year-old day laborer admitted in court Thursday to abducting and sexually assaulting his 7-year-old neighbor at a Southside apartment complex.

"I know what I did," said Jonathan Castillo, speaking through a Spanish translator in Marion Superior Court. "I was drunk, and I can't just fix things just because I'm drunk."

The victim underwent surgery after the attack early Tuesday and remained in Riley Hospital for Children on Thursday, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Sgt. Matthew Mount said.

Castillo admitted his guilt during what is typically a routine hearing that allows the court to explain the charges to the defendant. Court Commissioner Steve Rubick entered a not-guilty plea on Castillo's behalf despite the admission.

"By confessing under oath, you've just made (the public defender's) job much more difficult," Rubick said.

Prosecutors asked that Castillo's bond be increased to $250,000, citing the risk to the community and a flight risk because Castillo is an illegal immigrant. Castillo had told Rubick he is a dual citizen of Mexico and Honduras and works as a day laborer.

Castillo also has prior convictions for two felonies -- theft and residential entry -- as well as driving while intoxicated and domestic battery, records show.

Rubick granted the request for higher bond. Castillo is being held in the Marion County Jail.

Castillo, police said, wore a mask, climbed up the metal supports of a third-story balcony and snatched the child from a bedroom at the Capital Place Apartments near Hanna Avenue and U.S. 31.

The victim lives in the apartment with her mother, father and 3-year-old brother.

The Indianapolis Star does not generally identify the victims of sexual assault.

The child's father runs his own cleaning business and works nights. He told police he locked the front door when he left, but the balcony sliding door was open because the air conditioning was out.

He said his family is struggling to cope with the attack while his daughter's physical wounds are healing.

"She's a little better," the father said by phone. "It's very hard, you know. It's very hard to see my daughter."

Police said Castillo grabbed the victim while the child's mother was sleeping in another bed a few feet away. Castillo's apartment is in the same building.

The girl's family discovered her missing about 1:30 a.m. Tuesday and began searching the apartment complex. Family members stepped outside and saw the suspect drop the girl on the ground and run toward his apartment, according to police and court records.

Castillo's girlfriend, Maria Sanchez-Perez, 33, told police she saw blood on Castillo shortly after the assault, according to reports. Police seized several items from Castillo's apartment.